Stretch marks, or striae atrophica, are a type of skin scarring that forms when the dermis (the middle layer of skin that maintains shape and elasticity) is stretched beyond normal function. Connective fibers in the skin eventually break, disrupting collagen production and causing scarring. The scarring is characterized by reddish or purple lines at onset and by faded white lines as time passes. Stretch marks are caused by heredity, dry skin, pregnancy, puberty, rapid weight gain or weight loss. They usually appear on the breasts, buttocks, legs, hips and abdomen. Although there is no cure for stretch marks, they can flatten, fade, and lighten over time. Methods to minimize stretch marks include inexpensive natural in-home remedies, over the counter creams, and foam roller exercises. Learning about your options will help you decide which method will satisfy your needs and your wallet.
Coffee Exfoliating Technique
Step 1
Ground coffee into a powder substance.
Step 2
Mix coffee ground powder with regular collagen lotion.
Step 3
Clean stretch mark area with soap and water and pat dry.
Step 4
Rub mixture in a circular motion into the stretch marks for approximately 60 seconds.
Step 5
Wipe off the coffee grounds with a warm, moist towel.
Step 6
Perform twice a day. Depending on the severity of the stretch marks, results may be noticed within two weeks. The properties within the coffee grounds help to tighten the skin as the circular motion helps to create circulation within the area.
Wrapping Technique
Step 1
Clean stretch mark area with soap and water and pat dry.
Step 2
Rub castor oil into the stretch mark.
Step 3
Wrap the oiled area with plastic wrap.
Step 4
Put the heating pad on the wrapped area for approximately 20 minutes.
Step 5
Wash off the solution.
Step 6
Perform this technique once a day until you receive the desired results. Depending on the severity of the stretch marks, results may occur within two weeks. Results will vary among individuals. Castor oil is easily absorbed into the stretch marks, re-hydrating the area and smoothing out the scarring.
Over the Counter Cream
Step 1
Choose an over the counter stretch mark cream that contains at least one or all of the following ingredients: emu oil, grape seed extract, cocoa butter, glycolic acid, vitamin E, aloe vera, collagen, sigesbeckia orientalis, peptides and liposomes.
Step 2
Clean stretch mark area with soap and water and pat dry.
Step 3
Apply the cream generously to the stretch mark area in a circular massaging motion until the cream is completely absorbed. This action will create circulation of the blood within the affected area, helping to regenerate skin cells and improve collagen production.
Step 4
Perform this regimen two to three times a day.
Step 5
Repeat until desired results are achieved. Results will vary among individuals. It may take two weeks to see a difference. While using creams will reduce the appearance of stretch marks, deeper penetration to the dermis is required to remove the stretch marks.
Foam Roller Exercises
Step 1
Place the foam roller under the area of the stretch marks. For example, if the stretch marks are on the hips, lie on your side with the foam roller under the hip area.
Step 2
Gently roll back and forth, creating heat within that area.
Step 3
Continue to roll back and forth, targeting the stretch mark area for approximately five minutes.
Step 4
Perform this task twice daily until desired results are achieved. Results will vary and may take two weeks.
Tips and Warnings
- Treat stretch marks early to reduce the severity of the scarring. Drink 64 ounces of water every day to enhance hydration of the skin and the healing of the stretch marks. Foam rollers can be purchased at fitness equipment stores. Foam rollers help to break up skin tissue, allowing the body to produce more collagen, which helps to replace the scarred skin. Some examples of over the counter stretch mark removal creams are: Elastin 3, Revitagen, Stretta Stretch Mark Removal Formula, Barmon Stretch Mark Cream and Mederma.
- Consult your physician to be sure these treatments are appropriate for you.
Things You'll Need
- 1/2 cup of ground coffee beans
- 3 tablespoons of regular collagen lotion
- 1 cup castor oil
- 1 to 4 feet of plastic/cellophane wrap
- Heating pad
- Stretch mark removal cream
- Foam roller (cylinder shape, 2 to 3 feet long)
